Statehood to Remain Congress’s Foremost Priority in J&K, Says Karra
SRINAGAR, Oct 4: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra reaffirmed that the restoration of statehood will be the party’s foremost priority in the upcoming Assembly elections, declaring it as the central issue shaping the party’s political agenda. Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, Karra underscored that Congress has consistently and unequivocally demanded the return of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir long before the announcement of elections and will now intensify this demand as the polls approach.
“Congress’s position has always been clear and principled, the restoration of statehood is not merely a political promise but a constitutional necessity and a democratic right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Karra said. “We have carried this message to every corner of the Union Territory, and it has been endorsed by our national leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The issue of statehood will remain at the top of our agenda and will be pursued with renewed vigour and full intensity.”
Commenting on the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Karra reiterated that PoJK is an integral part of India, as affirmed by a unanimous parliamentary resolution, and expressed concern over the ongoing repression faced by the people there. “Our hearts go out to the people of PoJK, who continue to face undemocratic governance and political suppression. Congress has always stood against repression in any form and stands in solidarity with those who are being denied their basic rights,” he added.
Karra also spoke about the recent controversy surrounding Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, highlighting what he termed as the BJP’s “selective nationalism.” He said Wangchuk, once celebrated as a patriot, is now being vilified as “anti-national” simply for voicing dissent. “The BJP’s mindset is clear, ‘my way or the highway.’ They used Wangchuk to justify the abrogation of Article 370 and to praise the Prime Minister. But the moment he raised concerns, he was branded anti-national. This is emblematic of a larger intolerance towards dissent and diversity of thought,” Karra remarked.
On the subject of candidate selection for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Karra dismissed ongoing speculations, clarifying that the party follows a structured internal process. “There is a robust mechanism within the Congress party for decision-making. The final call will be taken by the central leadership, and all the talk surrounding it at this stage is mere speculation,” he stated.
Reiterating the party’s foreign policy principles, Karra emphasized Congress’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. “The Congress Working Committee (CWC) passed a resolution last year expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine and their legitimate struggle. We have consistently upheld the principles of justice, human rights, and self-determination on the global stage,” he concluded.
